A statement released by the club further shed light into the reason behind the Scot's suspension, a decision which was taken in an emergency board meeting on Monday, although the exact nature of the coach's misdemeanour has not been disclosed.

"The Board of Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club Limited has, with immediate effect, suspended the club's Head Coach, Frank Elliot Nuttall, for unsporting and unethical behaviours which contradicted the club's code of conduct," began the club statement.

"The decision was arrived at in an emergency board meeting held on Monday 12th February, 2018, at which Coach Nuttall admitted to these behaviours that the Board considers detrimental to the interests of the Club."

The club have also installed a three-man committee of board members, including ex-Ghana FA President Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, to investigate the details of the case and report their findings to the board by Friday.

In the interim period, coach Henry Wellington has been asked to take charge of training until the issues regarding Nuttall's future are resolved.

The coach joined Hearts on a three-year deal last term, but was unable to guide the domestic giants to silverware, posting a third-placed finish in the top flight.

They did reach the Ghana FA Cup final - their first since 2000 - but a 3-1 defeat by bitter rivals Asante Kotoko represented a disappointing end to the campaign, and their wait for a trophy now extends to nine years.

Hamilton-born Nuttall was previously manager of Kenyan giants Gor Mahia, and has also served Zamalek SC, Middlesbrough and Al-Nasr Dubai SC during a nomadic coaching career.